impulsive

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Doing things suddenly, following a sudden urge instead of thinking about the results.

   Grammar: Describes people or actions: an impulsive person; an impulsive decision.

   Patterns

   • impulsive about something

   He is impulsive and booked the flight in minutes.

   Her impulsive purchase left her short of money.

   Don't be so impulsive; sleep on the decision.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounapproving

   Done in response to a sudden feeling, often warmly or generously.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun and can be positive: an impulsive hug.

   She gave him an impulsive hug.

   It was an impulsive act of kindness.

   An impulsive laugh escaped her.

Word forms

Common combinations

impulsive decision

Moving abroad was an impulsive decision.

impulsive buying

Impulsive buying filled his garage.

impulsive behavior

The doctor discussed his impulsive behavior.

impulsive gesture

It was an impulsive gesture of thanks.

rather impulsive

She is rather impulsive with money.

Synonyms and how they differ

spontaneous

Spontaneous is neutral or positive and suggests natural ease, while impulsive often suggests a lack of thought.

rash

Rash is more critical and implies the action was careless or risky.

reckless

Reckless means ignoring danger, which is stronger than impulsive.

hasty

Hasty focuses on speed, whereas impulsive focuses on acting from urge.

Opposites

Word family

impulse noun

a sudden urge to act

impulsively adverb

in a sudden, unplanned way

impulsiveness noun

the habit of acting on sudden urges

impel verb

to drive someone to act

Commonly confused: impulsive or compulsive?

Practice

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